Mahindra Veero first drive review

Mahindra has launched its new small commercial vehicle – the Veero, starting at ₹7.99 lakh for the V2 variant. The team at Mahindra is extremely excited about the launch of the Veero, claiming it to be a game-changer in multiple aspects for the SCV market in India. Let’s take a closer look at this vehicle and understand why Mahindra feels this way.

Mahindra Veero exterior and payload capacity

Mahindra has emphasised that the same process used in developing the design of their SUVs was applied to the Veero. From more than a hundred initial design sketches, the final design was chosen for its desirable, modern, yet powerful and confident stance. It may be among the better-looking commercial vehicles right now, but for its target audience, aesthetics may not be a top priority.

One of the key aspects for potential buyers, however, is its cargo capacity. The payload capacity is up to 1,600 kg, and the Veero offers ten- and nine-foot cargo body options. It can be configured for 14 different types of cargo for intra-city use. Unlike most other SCVs, Mahindra claims operators do not need to reinforce the cargo hold area for different applications, as the bay's frame is already strengthened from the factory, and can even hold a higher payload than its prescribed capacity.

Mahindra Veero interior and features

The same design philosophy extends to the interior, with comfort and convenience taking priority. The controls are ergonomically arranged, ensuring almost everything is within the driver's reach. The driver gets a reclining seat for added comfort, and both the passenger and driver’s seat can be folded down to make space for lying down. Features include a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system, power windows, a reverse parking camera, and air conditioning with a demister and heater. Except for the air conditioning, all the other features are first-in-segment. The infotainment system runs on Android, and while it doesn't support Android Auto or Apple CarPlay, users can mirror their phones onto the screen, effectively turning it into a small TV.

Mahindra Veero drive, ride and safety

Mahindra’s engineers have focused on making the driving and riding experience in the Veero as car-like as possible. There are two engine options: a 1.5-litre 3-cylinder naturally aspirated diesel engine producing 78 bhp and 210 Nm, and a turbo CNG engine delivering 88 bhp and 210 Nm, both paired with a 5-speed manual gearbox. To ensure it can haul more than its payload capacity, 165 Nm of torque is available from just 1,000 rpm. I conducted a rudimentary test on Mahindra's test track to see how quickly it could reach its electronically limited top speed of 80kmph from a standstill, and managed it in just over 22 seconds with a full 1,600kg load. An experienced SCV driver could likely achieve a slightly faster time.

Another key feature of the Veero is its refinement and relatively quiet cabin. The ride is extremely smooth, keeping the cabin comfortable even on rough roads. Mahindra also set up a slalom course to demonstrate its ease of manoeuvrability. The power steering, coupled with a 5.1-metre turning radius, makes it highly agile. I was then asked to complete the slalom in reverse, as quickly as possible, where the large mirrors and reverse camera proved invaluable. Mahindra keenly wanted to highlight that the Veero is highly capable in tight corners and narrow lanes, with enough power for both city roads and state highways.

Safety is an area where Mahindra has made a significant effort, unlike many SCV manufacturers. The Veero features a driver airbag and a robust ring structure around the cabin, designed to enhance safety in the event of a crash, similar to monocoque vehicles. Additionally, the chassis is designed to absorb 80 per cent of crash energy, with the remaining 20 per cent absorbed by the cabin.

Mahindra Veero prices and maintenance

The ‘R’ in the Veero badge is golden and shaped like the Rupee symbol, signifying savings. The ARAI-certified fuel economy for the diesel variant is 19.4kmpl, and for the CNG variant, 19.2km/kg, giving it a range of over 500 km. To keep maintenance costs low, service intervals for the Veero are a substantial 20,000km, with no labour charges for periodic services up to 70,000km. Mahindra also offers free roadside assistance for one year.

The Veero is available in three variants: the V2, priced at ₹7.99 lakh, the V4 at ₹8.99 lakh, and the V6 at ₹9.53 lakh. The standard warranty is 3 years or 1 lakh km. Mahindra hopes these offerings, along with the vehicle’s attractive features, will appeal to a wide range of SCV buyers.

For fleet operators, Mahindra provides an app called iMaxx, which allows vehicle owners to track the location of their vehicles, receive alerts, book services, integrate driver documents using Digilocker, and even control some features, like the air conditioning, remotely.

The Veero brings several first-in-segment features and outpaces the competition in many ways. It will be interesting to see if Mahindra’s excitement for the Veero resonates with its buyers in the coming months.